Screen mirroring sends your iPhone display to an Apple TV, Mac, or compatible smart TV
Screen mirroring on iPhone works through AirPlay, Apple's wireless casting system. When you turn it on, everything on your iPhone screen appears on a larger display in real time — useful for presentations, showing photos to a group, or playing games on a bigger screen. The TV or device you're mirroring to must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, and it needs to support AirPlay.
The steps differ slightly depending on which iPhone model you have and what you're mirroring to, but the basic process is the same: open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your destination device.
Key Takeaways
- Screen mirroring requires your iPhone and the receiving device to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- You access Screen Mirroring through Control Center, which you open by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and newer) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier).
- Compatible devices include Apple TV, Mac computers, iPad, and many modern smart TVs with AirPlay 2 support.
- If your device doesn't appear in the Screen Mirroring menu, restart both your iPhone and the receiving device, then check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network.
How to open Control Center on different iPhone models
The location of Control Center changed with iPhone X. On iPhone X and newer (including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and later), swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. You'll see a small notch or Dynamic Island at the top — start your swipe just below it and drag downward.
On iPhone 8 and earlier (including iPhone 7, 6s, and SE models from the first generation), swipe up from the bottom of the screen instead. This opens Control Center from below.
If you're using an older iPhone and swiping up doesn't work, check Settings > Control Center to make sure Control Center is turned on. On newer models, Control Center is always available.
Finding and tapping Screen Mirroring in Control Center
Once Control Center is open, look for the Screen Mirroring icon. It looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom — similar to a TV screen with a signal. On iPhone X and newer, this icon is usually in the top-right section of Control Center. On iPhone 8 and earlier, it's typically in the lower rows.
If you don't see Screen Mirroring in Control Center, you may need to add it. Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls, then tap the green plus button next to Screen Mirroring to add it.
Tap the Screen Mirroring icon once. Your iPhone will scan for available AirPlay devices on your network and display them in a list within a few seconds.
Selecting your device and connecting
When the list of available devices appears, tap the name of the device you want to mirror to. Common options include "Living Room Apple TV," "Kitchen iPad," or the name of your smart TV if it supports AirPlay 2.
If your device requires a password, a four-digit code will appear on both your iPhone and the receiving device. Enter this code on your iPhone to confirm the connection. Once connected, your iPhone screen will appear on the larger display, and the Screen Mirroring icon in Control Center will turn blue to show an active connection.
Audio from your iPhone will play through the receiving device by default. If you want to keep audio on your iPhone instead, open Control Center again, tap and hold the audio card (the one showing volume), and select your iPhone as the audio output.
Stopping screen mirroring
To stop mirroring, open Control Center again and tap the Screen Mirroring icon. Select "Stop Mirroring" from the menu, or simply tap the blue Screen Mirroring icon and choose a different device or "Stop Mirroring."
Your iPhone screen will return to normal, and the display on the TV or other device will go blank or return to its previous input. The connection closes immediately — there's no delay.
What to do if your device doesn't appear in the list
If the device you want to mirror to doesn't show up in Screen Mirroring, first check that both your iPhone and the receiving device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPhone and verify the network name. Then check the receiving device's Wi-Fi settings to confirm it's on the same network.
Restart both devices: turn your iPhone off and back on, and do the same for the TV, Apple TV, or other device. Wait about 30 seconds after restarting before trying Screen Mirroring again.
If the device still doesn't appear, check that it actually supports AirPlay. Apple TV (all models), iPad, and Mac computers all support it. For smart TVs, look for "AirPlay 2" in the TV's specifications or settings — not all smart TVs have this feature, even newer ones. If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, you may need an Apple TV box to use Screen Mirroring.
Devices that work with iPhone Screen Mirroring
| Device Type | Supports Screen Mirroring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | Yes, all models | Works with any Apple TV, including older 3rd-generation models |
| Mac computer | Yes | Requires macOS 12.1 or later; appears in Screen Mirroring menu automatically |
| iPad | Yes | Any iPad with iPadOS 15.1 or later can receive screen mirroring |
| Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.) | Only if it has AirPlay 2 | Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm AirPlay 2 support; not all models have it |
| Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast | No | These devices use different casting systems; iPhone cannot mirror to them |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use screen mirroring without Wi-Fi?
No. Screen mirroring requires both your iPhone and the receiving device to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you cannot use AirPlay. Some devices like Apple TV can create their own Wi-Fi network that your iPhone can join, but an internet connection is still required for the initial setup.
Why does my screen mirroring keep disconnecting?
Disconnections usually happen because of Wi-Fi interference or distance. Move your iPhone and the receiving device closer together, and make sure neither is blocked by thick walls or metal objects. If the problem continues, restart both devices and forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone, then reconnect to it. If you're using an older Apple TV, it may have a weaker Wi-Fi chip — moving it closer to your router can help.
Can I mirror my iPhone to a Windows PC?
Not directly through AirPlay. Windows does not support Apple's screen mirroring system. You would need a third-party app or device like an Apple TV connected to the Windows PC's display. Some third-party apps claim to enable this, but they are not officially supported by Apple and may not work reliably.
Does screen mirroring drain my iPhone battery faster?
Yes, screen mirroring uses more power than normal use because your iPhone is constantly sending video data over Wi-Fi and keeping the screen active. Battery drain is noticeable during longer sessions. Plugging your iPhone into power while mirroring is recommended if you plan to use it for more than an hour.
Can I use my iPhone while screen mirroring?
Yes. Everything you do on your iPhone appears on the larger display in real time. You can open apps, take screenshots, adjust volume, or switch between screens — it all mirrors instantly. This is useful for presentations or showing someone how to do something on their iPhone.